NYPD Intensifies Search for Suspect in Fatal Shooting of Nigerian National at Brooklyn Nightclub
The New York City Police Department has launched a comprehensive manhunt for the individual suspected of fatally shooting 30-year-old Nigerian citizen Sheriff Shittu inside a nightclub located in the East Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn. The tragic incident occurred during the early morning hours of February 14, casting a shadow over what was meant to be a celebratory occasion.
Details of the Valentine's Day Tragedy
According to police reports, the shooting took place at approximately 4:30 a.m. at the Quilox Lounge on Church Avenue near East 95th Street. The altercation that led to the violence reportedly began as a dispute within the club. Sheriff Shittu was pronounced dead at Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Centre after sustaining a gunshot wound to the head.
Fawaz Shittu, the victim's younger brother who was present at the scene, provided a harrowing account of the events. The brothers had visited the club to celebrate a friend's birthday, just one day before their mother was scheduled to arrive from Nigeria for a visit. Their initial stay was brief, lasting only about 45 minutes, as they were disturbed by the escalating situation inside the venue.
Sequence of Events Leading to the Shooting
Fawaz explained that the confrontation began when a stranger, described as intoxicated, began inappropriately touching women at the club, including Sheriff Shittu's girlfriend. This led to a physical altercation between Sheriff and the individual. The brothers decided to leave the premises but returned shortly after realizing Sheriff had left his cell phone behind.
Upon their return, they witnessed the drunk individual being escorted out by club staff. The establishment's owner attempted to reassure the brothers, urging them to stay and dismissing the troublesome patron as "a crazy guy." Tragically, moments later, gunfire erupted.
"A few seconds later, I heard 'pow,' and I looked down, and I saw my brother," Fawaz recounted, describing the immediate aftermath. "I was screaming his name. I was trying to wake him up." A bartender rushed to perform CPR on Sheriff, who lay motionless on the floor.
Investigation and Family's Anguish
NYPD officials have confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, with the motive behind the shooting still under examination. Authorities have released a description of the suspect, who was last seen wearing a black jacket and white trousers before fleeing the scene in an unknown direction. No arrests have been made at this time.
The Shittu family is grappling with profound grief and is vocal in their demand for justice. Salem Shittu, another younger brother, expressed the family's collective sorrow and determination. "We're just feeling sad, and everybody is holding it in. We're trying to be strong right now, but we're really worried about getting justice for him," he stated.
Questions Regarding Nightclub Security
In addition to seeking justice, the family has raised serious concerns about the security protocols at the Quilox Lounge. Salem Shittu pointedly questioned how the suspect managed to bring a firearm into the club. "We don't know why the security failed to properly search before somebody brought a gun into the club. He was being kicked out and was being escorted out when he did it," he emphasized, highlighting a critical lapse in safety measures.
The NYPD continues to urge anyone with information regarding the suspect or the incident to come forward as the manhunt persists. The community and the Nigerian diaspora in New York are closely following developments, hoping for a swift resolution to this senseless act of violence.
